Plan International Sierra Leone Commended by Minister of Education Science & Technology
Plan International Sierra Leone has on the 23rd February 2017 donated 1 Toyota Hilux vehicle, 3 laptop computers and two DT Yamaha motorbikes worth around $32,000 to the Ministry of Education Science and Technology(MEST). The donation ceremony took place at the premises of the Ministry in Freetown.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry – Mr. Umaru A. Conteh revealed that as a former beneficiary of Plan International Sponsorship programme during his school days, he was aware of the contribution of Plan in education and said the Ministry recognizes Plan International Sierra Leone as a key bilateral development partner in promoting quality education for children especially girls in Sierra Leone.
In his statement, the Country Director of Plan International Sierra Leone Casely Ato Coleman acknowledged the leadership role played by the Ministry in supporting Plan International Sierra Leone to implement the WASH in schools project in the Western rural area with funding from the Government of Malaysia through Mercy Malaysia Organization. He said the Ministry played a key role in the selection of the schools and the overall approval of the project.
Mr. Coleman noted that the project implemented 48 WASH facilities, 100 hygiene kits in 108 selected schools and trained 5,000 school pupils, 100 School Management Committee members as well as 962 teachers in hygiene promotion methodologies. He said the donation will strengthen the Ministry in following up and sustaining the project outcome to support quality teaching and learning for children especially girls within Sierra Leone.
Mr. Coleman confirmed that in line with the established practice and MOU with the Ministry, Plan International Sierra Leone will be presenting its annual work plan for review and approval. He also noted that under the leadership of MEST, Plan International Sierra Leone will deepen the partnership in the delivery of the DFID funded Girls Education Challenge project. He also commended the Water Directorate
In his statement, the Minister of Education Science and Technology Dr. Minkailu Bah applauded Plan International Sierra Leone for the donation to the Ministry which he said was only a continuation of the numerous support that the organization has been providing to the Ministry. He specifically thanked the Plan International Country Director-Casely Ato Coleman for his leadership and continued collaboration in building the partnership with the Ministry since he assumed office in 2 years ago. This he said, has helped to improve and strengthen the relationship between Plan International Sierra Leone and his ministry in delivering education outcomes within the country.
Dr. Bah stated that the project was a big push in enhancing WASH practices in schools and emphasized that the training of the School Management Committees has helped in enhancing their ability to better monitor head teachers especially on the school feeding programme. He also commended Plan International Sierra Leone for playing a key role in the steering committee of the school feeding program.
He assured that the Ministry will replicate this training in other parts of the country in order to ensure that all SMCs have the required capacity to function and deliver on their roles. He promised to use the donated items for its intended purpose.
Also present at the ceremony were the Deputy Minister of Education 1 and 2-Dr. Christiana Thorpe and Mr. James Morlai Koroma, senior staff of the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, Plan International Sierra Leone staff and members of the press.
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